Posted at 5:46 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2007
NFL: Vikings sign No. 2 pick Rice; Peterson unsigned
Associated Press
MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings rookies Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice weren't present for the team's first two training camp practices, but Rice agreed to a four-year contract last night.Peterson, a running back selected No. 7 overall out of Oklahoma, and Rice, a wide receiver taken in the second round from South Carolina, were drafted to help inject some big-play ability into a Vikings offense that fell flat in 2006.
Following the morning workout, coach Brad Childress again warned of the problems rookies can have if they fall behind in learning the scheme.
"My best advice to them would be get their tails in camp," Childress said.
Shortly after the team finished the afternoon practice, Eric Metz, one of Rice's agents, reached agreement with the Vikings on a deal. Metz said Rice was on his way to camp yesterday evening and was due to join his teammates on the field this morning.
Peterson, however, wasn't expected. The Vikings and his agent, Ben Dogra, were still working on a contract — making it likely Peterson's holdout would reach a second day.
